SSAI Convention 2019

The 2019 SSAI convention was held on June 5 & 6 at the Heritage Inn in Saskatoon. Close to eighty senior delegates and visitors attended from rural Saskatchewan met for presentations, discussions and resolution discussions and debate.

Senator Nora Cumming brought greetings on behalf of the Indigenous community and Saskatoon to the gathering.

President Trask welcomed the delegates an provided an overview of the convention.

Holly Schick, provided an overview of SSM and the initiatives in place for this coming year.

Alex Crizzle, gerontologist and assistant prof. at the U of S, engaged by the government to conduct a study of transportation in rural Saskatchewan, provided the findings that represent the current characteristics of transportation services.

Karen Smith. Better Business Bureau, enlightened the delegates with regards to business practises and safety. This was in regards to Fraud prevention and good, safe practices.

The final presentation before lunch was from Bert McNair – educator turned author. He shared how he started writing and some of the key motivating factors leading to some of his short stories.

The afternoon continued with an open discussion forum by delegates in regards to engaging the new seniors in their communities. Many different ideas were shared – some were very successful in the community where this was initiated. What was also indentified was the importance of engaging seniors in the communities and intergenerational activities.

The afternoon sessions closed with a much lighter discussion about geocaching. Many shared some personal experiences and the fun they had participating in this type of event.

The first after-banquet speaker was Kathy Evans (mental health). She shared some personal experiences and information researched by the Schizophrenia Society of Sask. used to break the stigma of mental illness. Much of her presentation referred to understanding the condition and how to assist in a positive manner. She referenced
“Caring in Advocacy” written by her daughter and published in the book “ Much Madness, Divinest Sense”.

The evening concluded with Dr. Murray Scharf, former Dean of the College of Education at the U of S. He presented his research into the changing demographics, the related changes in support structures, and how this is impacting the personal and work lives of seniors. He identified the challenges that these changes are creating in the labour force and market. Certainly, the lifestyle of many seniors is changing as a result of all these other societal changes.

The second day started off with President Trask providing an overview of the activities of SSAI over the course of the year; she identified the senior priority areas and provided encouragement as to why and how seniors need to be engaged in these activities.

Mike Kaminski, NPF 1st Vice president provided and overview of activities of seniors at the national level. In particular he provided and overview of national advocacy in light of 2019 being election year. Nine organizations set aside their unique membership distinctions and agreed to focus on important senior issues. To this end RTO and CFP are playing a lead role. Under the title Vibrant Voices, the group, representing over two million seniors in Canada are focusing on developing a seniors’ strategy with three main parameters – Retirement Income Security, Pharmacare and Primary Care. After much research and strategizing, advocates from the group met in Ottawa in February to make presentations to as many MP’s as possible. Election brochures with this information have been prepared and are being ciruclated.

Mike Kaminski, resolutions chair, provided an update as to the disposition of the 2018 resolutions and responses from the various government departments in regards to specific resolutions.

Sask 211 – Brad provided an overview of what this phone service consisted of and how it is important for seniors. He provided information as to the various information services and the need for communities to continually update the services available there.

Candace Skrapnek, a lung cancer survivor, shared her personal experience, challenges faced and coping skills. As a mother, nurse and survivor, she provided guidance about the importance of early detection and treatment.

The Resolutions Session addressed ten resolutions. Two were submitted to SSM for their agm at the end of May. Of the remaining eight, one was referred to the executive and the other seven were passed. These resolutions will be posted on the website, and their disposition will be acted upon as soon as possible.

The 2018 Sask Wanderer – Kevin Dunn, shared his experiences, travels and videos about discovering Saskatchewan and making the rest of us aware of all the beauty that exits in this province.

Walkathon Report – Joan Boyer
Our provincial walkathon has ended for 2019. It was another extremely successful year. Congratulations to everyone who participated. It is because of our members that we are so successful at this event.

The provincial totals were 23,761 miles walked, 31 clubs participated and 306 members walked in 2019. The first place finishers are as follows: Highest Average Miles per Walker – Denzil Senior Citizens Club with 252 miles, Highest Average Miles per Club Member – Chitek Lake Sunshine Group with 105.07 miles and Highest Percentage of Club Members Walked – Gull Lake with 100%. Way to go Gull Lake. I wonder if any of our other clubs could achieve that percentage next year. Let us make that a goal for 2020 Walkathon.

Several of our clubs have members that walked over 200 miles and one member walked 405 miles. Congratulations to Gerald Deck from the Denzil Senior Citizens Club. Once again, great work everyone and I look forward to next years’ Walkthon.

SSAI will be starting a new raffle fundraiser in January 2020 with draw to be held at AGM in Saskatoon on June 4th, 2020. Tickets will be $2 each for a chance to win 8 cash draws for a total prize value of $2500!

Convention Summary: 72 Delegates attended (representing 30 clubs);

Thanks to our convention supporters and to everyone who attended, purchased raffle and 50/50 tickets, donated silent auction items, and helped in any way to make this a successful event.

Special thanks to Sanofi Pasteur who sponsored lunch for 76 people on the first day of convention!

SAVE the DATE: SSAI AGM/Convention will be held on June 3-4, 2020 at the Heritage Inn, Saskatoon.

Voting Delegates: From the SSAI Bylaws page 14: “Article 7 – Clubs 7.
Each club shall elect 2 voting delegates for each 50 members or portion thereof, 3 for 51 to 100, 4 for 101 to 150, 5 for 151 and over members that per capita fees have been paid on, to a maximum of 5 to attend the convention.”

Regional Directors and District Coordinators are elected at Regional and District annual meetings; Directors and Coordinators are also Voting Delegates at SSAI convention.